Deanna was stunned for a moment.
Clearly, she hadn't expected Lionel to guess the situation before she even explained it.
Since he had already guessed, she decided to be direct. "The only equipment left for my experiment is the PHG4 model, which is only produced and sold by Zeus Group in the entire country. Last night, Lance arranged a meeting with someone from Zeus Group. They said they would grant us the purchasing rights as long as you don't participate in the research institute. Of course, I'm not saying this to persuade you to leave the institute. You were specially invited by our master as a research specialist. I'm calling to see if there's a way to resolve this issue."
"Miss Jones, I'm very sorry for causing you such trouble. Since that's because of me, let me handle it," Lionel said apologetically.
Deanna did not refuse.
After all, Lionel was the main party involved in this matter.
The two then discussed some medical techniques before ending the call, with Lionel sounding reluctant to hang up.
Deanna, however, didn't notice Lionel's unusual tone and felt quite satisfied. She thought her master had found her a great partner, both a good teacher and a friend.
Whenever she encountered difficulties, Lionel always provided different insights.
Indeed, anyone her master valued was extraordinary. She decided to communicate more with Lionel to solidify her theoretical knowledge in medicine.
On the other side, Lionel hung up the phone with a grim expression.
He hadn't expected Zane to go to such lengths.
Targeting him was one thing, but what had Deanna done to provoke Zane?
Thinking about it, he dialed a number on his phone.
The call was answered after just one ring, and a mocking male voice came through.
"Well, well, it's so rare you actually have time to call me, Mr. Grant."
"Zane, what exactly do you want?" Lionel got straight to the point, lacking patience for small talk.
Zane paused for a moment before sneering, "What do I want? Isn't it obvious? Doesn't it feel terrible to be kicked out?"
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I haven't been kicked out. I'm calling to remind you that Miss Jones is very close to Aniyah. If Aniyah finds out about this, what do you think she'll do?"
Lionel hit Zane where it hurt.
Zane gritted his teeth. "Lionel, this is a matter between men. Why drag Aniyah into it?"
Hearing this reprimand almost made Lionel laugh in anger.
This was clearly a case of double standards.
"Zane, let me remind you that you were the one who dragged others into this first. You can target me; I do owe Aniyah in some ways. But if you involve innocent people, then I'm not going to sit back."
With that, Lionel hung up the phone.
Zane put down his phone, his handsome face darkening with anger.
He snorted defiantly. "Who can't make threats?"
Despite his words, he was worried that Lionel would tell Aniyah about this and upset her.
Little did he know that Aniyah was already aware of the situation.
Lance had Xavier investigate the cause of the issue and found out that this woman was key. He then had Xavier contact Aniyah.
So shortly after Lionel hung up on Zane, Aniyah called him.
"Zane, are you out of your mind? I've told you many times that I left the institute on my own accord. It has nothing to do with Lionel. You can target him all you want, but why involve Miss Jones? She's my friend! How am I supposed to face her now?" Aniyah yelled angrily over the phone.
Zane's heart sank. Aniyah knew everything.
Before he could think of a response, he instinctively apologized. "Aniyah, I'm sorry. I didn't know Miss Jones was your friend. I was just too angry at Lionel. Don't be mad; I'll personally call Miss Jones and apologize, and I'll make sure she gets the equipment she needs."
Hearing his sincere apology, Aniyah took a moment to calm down before warning him through gritted teeth, "From now on, stay out of my business."
"No way. You're my fiancée. If I don't take care of your matters, who will?" Zane retorted immediately.
Aniyah was infuriated by his words. "Who said I'm your fiancée? I never agreed to our engagement!"
With that, she hung up the phone.
Zane looked at his phone again and pouted in frustration.
If it were Lionel saying such things, Aniyah probably wouldn't be so angry.
But he wouldn't give up. Now that Aniyah had given up on Lionel herself, he was determined to win her over.